Mechanical heartbeat mechanism



portions.

United States Patent 3,110,980 MECHANICAL HEART EAT MECHANISM Helmuth Moormann, Elmont, N.Y., assignor to Ideal Toy Corporation, Hollis, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Feb. 26, 1962, Ser. No. 175,430 Claims. (Cl. 46-192) The present invention relates generally to childrens toys, dolls, stuffed animals and the like, and in particular to an improved sound-emitting mechanism which simulates a heartbeat and is adapted to be incorporated into a doll or similar figure toy.

A variety of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical devices have been suggested for incorporation into dolls or similar figure toys to enhance the life-like characteristics thereof by emitting sounds which simulate that of the human heart. At best, the commercial acceptance of these devices has been limited, due in part to their comparatively high cost, inherent complexity, and inability to withstand the relatively rough handling incident to normal use. There exists a need for a rugged mechanical heartbeat mechanism which is relatively simple in construction, yet produces, on an amplified scale, a sound simulating that of the human heartbeat.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sound-emitting device which exhibits one or more of the aforesaid advantages. Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide a mechanical heartbeat mechanism which is exceptionally simple, rugged, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment demonstrating objects and features of the present invention, there is provided a mechanical heartbeat mechanism for a doll which comprises a rotary sounding member having an outer periphery formed with successive rise and dwell Resilient clapper means engage the outer periphery of the sounding member and are arranged in relation to the axis of the sounding member to be flexed into a loading position when in contact with successive rise portions. The clapper means is arranged to fall into successive dwell portions as the sounding member is rotated to emit a sound simulating a heartbeat. Advantageously, my improved mechanical heartbeat mechanism may be incorporated into and made a part of a device or mechanism which is adapted to animate the doll thereby further imparting life-like characteristics to the doll or other figure toy.

The above brief description, as well as further objects,

features, and advantages of the present invention, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an animated doll embodying a heartbeat mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view, with parts broken away and sectioned in the interests of clarity, of a mechanical heartbeat mechanism demonstrating features of the present invention, shown incorporated into and made a pant of an animating device;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of FIG. 2, and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the mechanical heartbeat mechanism in a loaded position just prior to a sound-emitting interval;

FIG. 4 is a finagmentary elevational view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the mechanism in its partially unloaded position, after having produced the first beat of the companion pair which makes up a heartbeat;

3,110,980 Patented Nov. 19, 1963 FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the mechanism in the fully unloaded position, after having emitted the second beat of the companion pair;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the companion pairs making up the heartbeat during successive sound-producing intervals; and, 4

FIG. 7 is a firagmentary plan view of a modified heartbeat mechanism demonstrating further features of the present invention.

Referring nowspecifically to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a doll, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, which includes a doll body 12, a head 14 movably mounted on the doll body for a relatively complex motion including components of rotation and fiexion, a pair of arms 16 which are of substantially identical construction and are hingedly connected to the body 12, and a pair of legs 18 which are likewise of identical construction and hingedly connected to the doll body 112. Internally of the doll body 12 there is con cealed'an actuating or animating mechanism, generally designated by the reference numeral 20, which incorporates a heartbeat-producing device embodying features of the present invention. The animating or actuating mechanism 20, which is more fully described in US. Patent No. 3,029,552 and entitled Animated Doll, which patent is assigned to the assignee of the present application, includes a housing 22, having a base plate 24 and a removable cover 26. Secured to the base plate 24 is a cast-ing 28, which has mounted thereon a conventional spring motor 3% having an output or actuating shaft 32 projecting from the housing 22 and terminating in an angularly offset shaft extension 34 which projects into the head (see FIG. 1). The angularly offset extension 34 of the shaft 32 is used to impart motion to the head 14, as more fully described in said patent.

Provision is made for governing the rate of rotation of the output or actuating shaft 32, as is generally understood. In this illustrative embodiment, a vane-type governor 36 is geared to the output shaft 32 to establish a relatively constant rate of rotation for the actuating shaft substantially independent of the load imparted thereto. Specifically, the governor 36 includes a mounting bracket 38 which journals an upstanding governor shaft 40 having a vane 42 mounted thereon. The lower end of the governor shaft 40 is formed with a worm (not shown), which is engaged by a gear 44 carried by an idler shaft 46.

.The idler shaft 46 in turn carries a pinion 48 which is coupled to an intermediate gear 50 on a further idler shaft 52 which in turn carries a pinion 54. The pinion 54 in turn meshes with the relatively large diameter gear 56 connected to the output shaft 32 of the spring motor 30. As is generally understood, the gearing ratio of the train of gears 56, 54, 50, 48, 44, intermediate the output shaft 32 and the governor 36 is selected to establish the desired rate of rotation for the output shaft 32. Although the invention will be described in this specific environment, it will be appreciated that the instant heartbeat mechanism will find useful application in other types of animating devices, and, in fact, with a variety of drives, either of the mechanical or electrical types.

In accordance with the present invention, a combined sounding and actuating member or cam 60 is mounted on the output shaft 32 of the spring motor 36 which serves as an actuating means for rotating the cam 60* about an axis coincident with the axis of the shaft 32. The outer periphery of the combined sounding and actuating member 6t], which is generally designated by the reference nu- ,mer-al 62 and is seen best in FIGS. 3 to 5 inclusive, is

formed with successive rise portions 62a separated by dwell portions 62b. In this illustrative embodiment, the rise portions 62a are arcuate segments on substantially equal radii from the axis of the shaft 32 and the dwell portion 62b are substantially semi-circular cutouts extending inwardly from the rise portions 62a.

Engaging the outer periphery 62 of the sounding and actuating member 60 are a pair of resilient superposed clapper members 64, 66 which are arranged'in relation to the axis of the sounding and actuating member 60 to be flexed or bowed into a loaded position when in contact with successive rise portion 62a of the outer periphery or cam track 62. The clapper members 64, '66 fall in succession into successive dwell portion 62b, as the sounding and actuating member 60 is rotated to emit a sound simulating a heartbeat. Specifically, the superposed clapper members 64, 66, are fabricated of any suitable resilient material, such as plastic or thin sheet metal, which may be flexed or bowed by the sounding and actuating member 60 and which will emit a sound when contacted with each other and/ or with the combined "actuating and sounding member 60. Contiguous to their ends remote from the sounding and actuating member 60 and from the free ends 64a, 66a, the clapper members 64, 66 are rigidly mounted or anchored on an upstanding standard 28a integral with the casting 28. The underlying clapper member 64 is somewhat shorter than the overlying clapper member 66, as is seen best in FIGS. 3 and 5, such that the free end 64a of this leading clapper member 64 will drop off of successive rise portion 62a of the combined sounding and actuating member or cam 60 in timed relation to and in advance of the free end 66a of the trailing clapper member 66. Drop off or unloading of the leading clapper member 64 and contact thereof with the combined sounding and actuating member 60, will produce a relatively loud beat B (see FIG. 6), which is intended to simulate the systolic beat of the heart corresponding to forced ejection of blood from the heart. The falling off or unloading of the trailing clapper member 66 into contact with the leading clapper member 64 will produce a somewhat softer beat 13,, which is intended to correspond to the diastolic beat which occurs as the heart is relaxed. The cam 60 is preferably fabricated of a metallic material and thereby will enhance and/or amplify the sound produced by the clapper members. Of course, the sound-s produced are at best approximations of the sound of the human heartbeat. However, the dit-dah sounds produced during successive sound-producing intervals will impart a relatively life-like characteristic to an animated figure, particularly when it is appreciated that the heartbeat mechanism is to be incorporated into devices sold to relatively young children. The repetition rate for the production of successive heartbeat sounds will of course be determined by the contour of the outer periphery or cam track 62 of the actuating and sounding member 60 and the rate of rotation of the actuating or drive shaft 32. By proper selection of these parameters, aso well as thematerials employed, it is possible to pro duce any desirable sound effects for incorporation into the doll. The intensity of the pairs of beats B B in successive heartbeats can readily be controlled by imparting damping materials to either or both of the clapper mem bers 64, 66 and/or to the outer periphery or cam track 62 of the sounding and actuating member 60.

Provision is made for winding up the spring motor 30 as, for example, by a winding shaft 68 which is operatively connected to the spring motor 30 and which projects externally of the doll body 12 (see FIG. 1) at the back thereof and carries a winding knob 70.

'In order to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the present invention, a typical sequence of operations will now be described:

Upon mounting of the mechanism within the doll body 12, which in this illustrative embodiment provides for both the animation of the doll and the provision of a heartbeat for the doll, the user merely winds up the spring motor 30 by grasping the external knob 70 and turning the same. Upon release of the winding knob '70, the spring motor 30 will revolve the actuating or output shaft .4 32 at a substantially uniform rate established by the governor 36 and the gearing interconnected between the governor and the shaft 3-2. in this illustrative embodiment, the drive is arranged to rotate the combined actuating and sounding member 60 of the heartbeat producing mechanism mechanism in the clockwise direction when viewed in FIGS. 3 to 5 inclusive. Assuming that the free ends 64a, 66a, of the superposed clapper member 64, 66 are on a rise portion 62a, as seen in FIG. 3, rotation of the sounding and actuating member 60 will first cause the free or terminal end 64a of the underlying clapper member 64 to fall from the rise portion into the adjacent dwell portion 62b, as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 3 and 4. This will produce a relatively loud audible beat B intended to simulate the systolic beat of the heart, the magnitude and character of which can be controlled by the contouring of the cam, the selection of materials, and the like. At a time subsequent thereto and determined by the percentage difference in the effective lengths of the underlying and overlying clapper member 64, 66, the free or terminal end 66a of the overlying or trailing clapper member 66 will fall from the rise portion 62a into contact with the underlying clapper member 64, as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 4 and 5, to emit a further relatively soft audible beat B which is intended to simulate the diastolic sotmd of the human heart. Once again, the character and magnitued of this sound can be controlled by appropriate selection of materials, and the like. Continued rotation of the sounding and actuating member will once again restore the superposed clapper member 64, 66 to the loaded or flexed position, as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 5 and 3, and initiate the next heartbeat.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a modified heartbeat mechanism in accordance with the present invention which is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, inclusive, except for modification of the clapper means which engages the sounding and actuating member mounted on the actuating or drive shaft 132. In this embodi-ment, the resilient clapper which engages the outer periphery or cam surface 162 of the actuating and sounding member 160 is provided by a single resilient member 163 which is longitudinally bifurcated to provide a pair of side by side clapper sections 164, 166, which terminate in the respective free ends 164a, 166a engaging the cam track 162. The clapper section 164 has a shorter effective length than the clapper section 166 such that it will unload in timed relation to and in advance of unloading of the clapper section 166.

In the appended claims, the reference to the clapper member as including a pair of clapper sections is intended to include a two piece clapper or a one piece clapper having two sections. Further, the reference in the append claims to the clapper sections falling into contact with the underlying dwell portion of the combined sounding and actuating member is intended to include direct physical contact of such clapper sections with the combined sounding and actuating member and/or indirect contact, as by the falling of the upper clapper section into contact with the underlying clapper section when the latter is in contact with the dwell portion of the combined sounding and actuating member.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

What I claim is:

1. A mechanical heartbeat mechanism for a doll comprising a support, a combined sounding and actuating member having an outer periphery, means including a shaft mounting said sounding and actuating member on said support for rotation about an axis, means operatively connected to said sounding and actuating member for rotating the same, said outer periphery being formed with successive rise and dwell portions, and resilient clapper means engaging said outer periphery of said sounding and actuating member and arranged in relation to the axis of said sounding and actuating member to be flexed into a loaded position when in contact with successive rise portions, said clapper means falling into successive dwell portions as said sounding and actuating member is rotated to emit a sound simulating a heartbeat and including a pair of superposed clapper members fabricated of resilient material, means rigidly mounting each of said clapper members adjacent one of its ends, the other end of each of said clapper members being free and positioned to contact successive rise portions, the underlying one of said clapper members being shorter than the overlying one of said clapper members and falling from successive rise portions in advance of and in timed relation to flailing of said overlying one of said clapper members.

2. A mechanical heartbeat mechanism comprising a cam having a cam track including rise and dwell portions, means mounting said cam for rotational motion, a drive operatively connected to said cam, and resilient clapper means engaging said cam track of said cam and arranged in relation to said cam to be flexed into a loaded position when in contact with said rise portions, said clapper means engaging said dwell portions as said cam is moved to emit a sound simulating a heartbeat and including a pair of supenposed clapper members fabricated of resilient material, means rigidly mounting each of said clapper members adjacent one of its ends, the other end of each of said clapper members being free and positioned to contact successive rise portions, the underlying one of said clapper members being shorter than the overlying one of said clapper members and falling from successive rise portions in advance of and in timed relation to falling of said overlying one of said clapper members.

3. A mechanical heartbeat mechanism for a doll comprising a support, a combined sounding and actuating member having an outer periphery, means including a shaft mounting said sounding and actuating member on said support for rotation about 13.11 axis, means operatively connected to said sounding and actuating member tor rotating the same, said outer periphery being formed with successive rise and dwell portions, and resilient clapper means engaging said outer periphery of said sounding and actuating member and arranged in relation to the axis of said sounding and actuating member to be flexed into a loaded position when in contact with successive rise portions, said clapper means falling into and contacting successive dwell portions as said sounding and actuating member is rotated to emit a sound simulating a heartbeat and including a clapper memiber fabricated of resilient material, means rigidly mounting said clapper member adjacent one of its ends, said clapper member including a pair of clapper sections each terminating in a free end, one oi": said clapper sections being shorter than the other of said clapper sections, said one clapper section being loaded by successive rise portions and falling therefrom in advance of said other clapper section and into contact with the underlying dwell portion to emit a first beat of a heartbeat sound, said other clapper section falling into contact with the same dwell portion after said one clapper section to emit a second beat of said heartbeat sound.

4. A mechanical heartbeam mechanism for a doll comprising a support, a combined sounding and actuating member having an outer periphery, means including a shaft mounting said sounding and actuating member on said support for rotation about an axis, means operatively connected to said sounding and actuating member for rotating the same, said outer periphery being formed with successive rise and dwell portions, and resilient clapper means engaging said outer periphery of said sounding and actuating member and arranged in relation to the axis of said sounding and actuating member to be flexed into a loaded position when in contact with successive rise portions, said clapper means falling into and contacting successive dwell portions as said sounding and actuating member is rotated to emit a sound simulating a heantbeat and including a clapper member fabricated of resilient material, means rigidly mounting said clapper member adjacent one of its ends, said clapper member including a pair of superposed clapper sections each terminating in a free end, the underlying one of said clapper sections being shorter than the other of said clapper sections, said one clapper section being loaded by successive rise portions and tailing therefrom in advance of said other clapper section and into direct contact with the underlying dwell portion to emit a first beat of a heartbeat sound, said other clapper section thcrea'fiter falling into contact with said one clapper section and the same dwell portion after said one clapper section to emit a second heat of said heartbeat sound.

5. A mechanical heartbeat mechanism for a doll: comprising a support, a combined sounding and actuating member having an outer periphery, means including a shaft mounting said sounding and actuating member on said support for rotation about an axis, means operatively connected to said sounding and actuating member for rotating the same, said outer periphery being formed with successive rise and dwell portions, and resilient clapper means engaging said outer periphery of said sounding and actuating member and arranged in relation to the axis of said sounding and actuating member to be flexed into a loaded position when in contact with successive rise portions, said clapper means falling into and contacting successive dwell portions as said sounding and actuating member is rotated to emit a sound simulating a heartbeat and including a clapper member fabricated of resilient mate-rial, means rigidly mounting said clapper member adjacent one of its ends, said clapper member including a pair of side by side clapper sections each terminating in a free end, one of said clapper sections being shorter than the other of saidolapper sections, said one clapper section being loaded by successive mise portions and falling therefrom in advance of said other clapper section and into direct contact with the underlying dwell portion to emit a first beat of a heartbeat sound, said other clapper section falling into direct contact with the same dwell portion after said one clapper section to emit a second beat of said heartbeat sound.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

3. A MECHANICAL HEARTBEAT MECHANISM FOR A DOLL COMPRISING A SUPPORT, A COMBINED SOUNDING AND ACTUATING MEMBER HAVING AN OUTER PERIPHERY, MEANS INCLUDING A SHAFT MOUNTING SAID SOUNDING AND ACTUATING MEMBER ON SAID SUPPORT FOR ROTATION ABOUT AN AXIS, MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID SOUNDING AND ACTUATING MEMBER FOR ROTATING THE SAME, SAID OUTER PERIPHERY BEING FORMED WITH SUCCESSIVE RISE AND DWELL PORTIONS, AND RESILIENT CLAPPER MEANS ENGAGING SAID OUTER PERIPHERY OF SAID SOUNDING AND ACTUATING MEMBER AND ARRANGED IN RELATION TO THE AXIS OF SAID SOUNDING AND ACTUATING MEMBER TO BE FLEXED INTO A LOADED POSITION WHEN IN CONTACT WITH SUCCESSIVE RISE PORTIONS, SAID CLAPPER MEANS FALLING INTO AND CONTACTING SUCCESSIVE DWELL PORTIONS AS SAID SOUNDING AND ACTUATING MEMBER IS ROTATED TO EMIT A SOUND SIMULATING A HEARTBEAT AND INCLUDING A CLAPPER MEMBER FABRICATED OF RESILIENT MATERIAL, MEANS RIGIDLY MOUNTING SAID CLAPPER MEMBER ADJACENT ONE OF ITS ENDS, SAID CLAPPER MEMBER INCLUDING A PAIR OF CLAPPER SECTIONS EACH TERMINATING IN A FREE END, ONE OF SAID CLAPPER SECTIONS BEING SHORTER THAN THE OTHER OF SAID CLAPPER SECTIONS, SAID ONE CLAPPER SECTION BEING LOADED BY SUCCESSIVE RISE PORTIONS AND FALLING THEREFROM IN ADVANCE OF SAID OTHER CLAPPER SECTION AND INTO CONTACT WITH THE UNDERLYING DWELL PORTION TO EMIT A FIRST BEAT OF A HEARTBEAT SOUND, SAID OTHER CLAPPER SECTION FALLING INTO CONTACT WITH THE SAME DWELL PORTION AFTER SAID ONE CLAPPER SECTION TO EMIT A SECOND BEAT OF SAID HEARTBEAT SOUND. 